FAMILY HERBAL. 331 



leaves; with an odd one at the end ; these are singlv, 

 oblong, and of a dark green, and serrated at the 

 edges. The flowers are white; they grow in very 

 large, thick, and long clusters, and are succeeded by 

 flat seeds, hairy and roundish, and of an austere 

 astringent taste. There are several other kinds of 

 sumach in the gardens of curious people^ some of 

 them much more beautiful, but this is the kind that 

 is to be preferred for its medicinal virtues. 



The seeds, dried and powdered, stop purgings, 

 and the overflowings of the menses. The fresh 

 tops have also great effect in strengthening the sto 

 mach and bowels ; they are best taken in infusion. 

 The bark of the root has the same virtue ; but the 

 seeds have it in the greatest degree. 



S w A L Lo vv- WO RT . Asclcpias 



A COMMON plant in gardens, but native of 

 the warmer climates. It is two feet high. The 

 stalks are round, slender, of a dark colour, and 

 jointed ; the leaves are large and longi?h^ and of 

 a deep green; they stand two at each joint. The 

 flowers are small and white, and each is succeeded 



by two pods growing together ; the root is fibrous 

 and spreading. 



The root is used; an infusion of it fresli is good 

 against the jaundice; it works by urine and opens 

 obstructions. Dried and given in powder, it ope- 

 rates by sweaty and is good in fevers. 



T 



The Tacamahac Tree. Tacamaliaca. 



A LARGE and beautiful tree^ native of the 

 East, and of Anjerica, It is fifty or sixty feet 



